F 197 
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JAMES HEIGHE BLAKE 

THE THIRD MAYOR OF THE CORPORATION 
OF WASHINGTON [1813-17] 



By 
Allen C. Clark 



Reprijjt from Vol. 24 

Columbia Historical Society 
washington, d. c. 



JAMES HEIGHE BLAKE 

THE THIRD MAYOR OF THE CORPORATION 
OF WASHINGTON [1813-17] 



By 
Allen C; Clark 



Reprixt from Vol. 24 

Columbia Historical Society 
washington, d. c. 






JAMES HEIGHE BLAKE, 

THE THIRD MAYOR OF THE CORPORATION 

OF WASHINGTON [1813-17]. 

By ALLEN C. CLARK 
(Read before the Society, Nov. 16, 1920.) 

T N THE family Bible, to the entry of birth of a son is 
-*■ added in Dr. Blake's handwriting, "Named after the 
celebrated Admiral Robert Blake from whose family he is 
a descendant." 

Dr. Blake was of lineage, well born on both sides. The 
Blakes and Heighes were Maryland colonists, prominent in 
the Church of England; active in political affairs; and 
planters with slave holdings. 

Richard Blake came from England and settled in Calvert 
county. He married Susanna or Susan Nichols, daughter 
of William Nichols. Their son Joseph married Mary 
Heighe, daughter of Thomas Holdsworth Heighe and Mary 
Holdsworth Wheeler, his wife. Their son, James Heighe 
Blake, was born in the same county, June 11, 1768. 

Hester Dorsey Richardson, in The Sun, of Baltimore, 

May 22, 1904, says: 

"Richard Blake of My Lordship's Favor in Calvert County was 
a prominent man in Colonial days, and his fine estate one of the 
notable homes in the hospitable region in which it was situated. 
His bride, Susanna Nichols, was known as the 'heiress of St. Ed- 
monds.' Her father, William Nichols, was one of the men sent as 
representatives of the Province to England in 1695, Col. Joseph 
Blake, of My Lordship's Favor * * * served with distinction 
all through the Revolutionary War." 

To another son of Richard attaches romance. In the 
Maryland Gazette, January 25, 1770, is: 

.• i:<n 

m 

utter 

AU6 8 1912 



Col. Hist. SOC, Vol. XXIV. Pi.. V 




v — 



■itir-^-^; 



James Heighe Blake 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 137 

"January G, 1770. To All Seafaring Gentlemen. 

"Richard Blake, Captain of a sloop bound to the West India 
islands left Potomac River three years aexl August. And there 
being various reports (lint, he is yet alive and under confinement in 
the Hay of Honduras in Ilispaniola or in some part of the Spanish 
Main, and could Lave been ransomed lor Twenty Five Pounds. We, 
the undersigned, do certify that he has an estate of his own worth 
some Hundreds of rounds in Calvert County, Maryland, therefore 
his own obligation is sufficient surety for any Gentleman what will 
be good enough to make Enquiry for him, and procure his enlarge- 
ment should he be in confinement. We do also beg all Seagoing 
Gentlemen to enquire in their Travels if they can hear anything of 
the said Capt. Richard Blake or of John Wilkinson his mate to be 
alive or dead to give intelligence by letter to Mr. Charles Graham 
in Lower Marlborough on the Patuxent River, Maryland, and the 
Favor will be acknowledged by 

Thomas Blake Joseph Blake William Dare" 

This advertisement is in The National Intelligencer, March 

6, 1809: 

"Twenty Dollars Reward. 
"Runaway from Subscriber's -Plantation near Lower Marlbro' in 
Calvert county, about the 15th of January, a Negro man by the 
name of Cuddy ; * * * Whoever takes up said Negro and 
secures him so that I get him again shall receive the above reward, 
if taken upwards of 20 miles, if under 20 miles, 10 dollars. 

"Thomas Blake." 

Dr. Blake located in George Town. He purchased, Novem- 
ber 3, 1795, the lot on the southwest corner of Congress 
(Thirty-first) and Gay (N) streets. Thereon he built a 
residence. It is so altered that aught of the external original 
cannot be seen. 

In 1800, he removed to Colchester, Fairfax county, Vir- 
ginia. Colchester is on the north bank of the Occoquan 
River just opposite Woodbridge in Prince William county. 
The R. F. D. runs by the place which now consists of a few 
scattered houses whose outside brick chimneys look defiant 
of time. 



138 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

"But now the sounds of population fail, 
No cheerful murmurs fluctuate in the gale, 
No busy steps the grass-grown foot-way tread, 
But all the bloomy flush of life is fled." 

Goldsmith. 

Colchester is a veritable deserted village. That it was a 
village with a main street and a street midway at right 
angles, a thoroughfare to the ford of the Occoquan, appears 
by Count de Rochambeau's plat exhibiting the surface pro- 
portions of each house therein as on the sixteenth day of 
July, 1782. Rochambeau's auxiliary French forces en- 
camped on the border of the village. 

Dr. Blake indulged his bent for governmental affairs and 
was approved of by a constituency of Fairfax County to 
represent it in the legislature. The records at Richmond 
show that he attended the sessions of 1806-7 and 1807-8, 
and that for 1806 he was allowed three dollars per day for 
fifty-one days attendance with sixty cents per mile for travel- 
ling and fifty cents for each ferry crossed. 

Dr. Blake returned to the District of Columbia in 1809. 

Dr. Blake was elected to the First Chamber, Ninth Coun- 
cil, 1810; and held over the ensuing year because of in- 
formality in the election. 

The boards, June 14, 1813, convened to elect the Mayor. 
The first, second and third ballots, Mr. Brent and Mr. 
Rapine each had ten votes. Dr. Blake was substituted for 
Mr. Brent, and he and Mr. Rapine each had ten votes. Then 
by lot Dr. Blake drew the mayorship. 

At the joint meeting, June 13, 1814, Dr. Blake had all 
the votes. 

The Intelligencer, editorially, had, June 2, 1815: 

"We have received a communication recommending to the atten- 
tion of the citizens at the coming Election, the name of Col. 
William Brent for the office of Mayor for the next term. * * * 
We must observe, that we have heard of no objection to the re- 
election of our present worthy Mayor, James H. Blake, who, we 
hope and have no doubt, will again be honored by the city's choice." 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 139 

The councils met, June 12, and James H. Blake had 11 
votes; William Brent 7; Samuel N. Smallwood 1 ; blank 1. 

At the election June 10th, the following year, Dr. Blake 
had 13 votes; Benjamin G. Orr 6; Daniel Carroll of Dudd- 
ington 1. 

The Mayoral messages of Dr. Blake are comprehensive 
and concise and comprise the affairs important in all cities. 
Quite natural was his first expression and first recom- 
mendation : 

"Of all the gods of this World, Health is the most durable ; it is 
the Soul which animates every enjoyment." 

"I beg leave to submit to you, whether it may not be expedient 
to appoint a Health Officer ; whose particular duty it shall be to 
superintend the health of the city generally, and in case of the 
appearance of any malignant disease, to visit such infected persons ; 
and report from time to time the state of the health of the City 
to the Board of Aldermen and Common Council ; correct informa- 
tion from such a source, would prevent many idle and exaggerated 
accounts, too often propagated to the disadvantage of our City." 

He in the first message advocated schools on the Lan- 
castrian system, and a reformatory. 

That there was no police at that time is indicated by the 
paragraph in that message : 

The number of idle and disorderly persons that are in our streets 
at every hour of the night, disturbing the repose of the inhabitants 
and in many instances pillaging them — render it unsafe for the 
peaceable Citizen to pass along the street. With a view to check 
this growing evil, I will suggest the establishment of patroles." 

In other messages Mayor Blake urged the office of Health 
Officer and in result it was created. 

The Act of the Councils providing for street improve- 
ments, October 16, 1813, indicates the greater value of a 
dollar at that period for the appropriations are from $25 
to $250 and for improving Fourteenth street west from 
Pennsylvania Avenue to the northern boundary of the city, 
the amount was $100. 



140 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

The suggestion of a reformatory brought an appropriation 
to rent from Mr. Greenleaf for a workhouse and other pur- 
poses a large three story brick building on Greenleaf's Point 
at $100 per annum. The rent began November 22, 1813, as 
did the appointment of Major David Hopkins, Superin- 
tendent. 

Mayor Blake stated, July 24, 1815, that "the improvement 
of the streets are greatly retarded for want of a Surveyor 
to the Corporation and when made are without correct grada- 
tion." The first Surveyor was Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 
the eminent architect, confirmed, October 10, 1815. 

An exclusive section early developed and in the west end. 
By an ordinance, July 26, 1815, it became unlawful to keep 
geese south of Massachusetts Avenue and west of Eleventh 
Street. The seized geese were for the poor of the Infirmary 
and the trustees were directed to pay twenty-five cents for 
each goose delivered. 

An experiment was made, November 21, 1815 — a cruise 
of the Washington Canal of its entire length from the west 
end to the other end on the Eastern Branch — and its naviga- 
bility was proven. The depth some places was four feet 
and at none less than three. On the cruise in the barge the 
guests, besides something else, had for exhilaration the band 
of the Marine Corps. The canal was never any good for 
commercial purposes except for sand scows and schooners 
laden with wood for fuel at the eastern part. Its stagnant 
waters provided the means for mosquitos to carry disease 
and all along the banks were the victims — the prevalent mal- 
ady being intermittent fever, familiarly, chills and fever. 
In the grip of the chill the victims so shook as to make the 
clock and the vases on the mantel dance, and when in the 
grip of the fever was as eager as the rich man for a drop on 
the tip of his finger in water to cool his tongue, so tormented 
was he in the flame. 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 141 

U. S. brig Niagara, off the Western Sister, 
Head of Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813. 4 P.M. 
Sir— It has pleased the Almighty to give to the Arms of the 
United States a signal Victory over their enemies on this Lake. 
The British Squadron, consisting of ten ships, two brigs, one 
schooner and one sloop, have this morning surrendered to the force 
under my command, after a sharp conflict. 

I have the honor to be, 
Sir, 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
O. H. Perry. 

The Hon. William Jones, 
Secretary of the Navy. 

The Intelligencer had an exultant editorial, September 22, 
1813. 

"A Glorious Victory. 

* * * * 

"Its moral consequence cannot but be highly auspicious to the 
future success of our infant Navy. The charm of British naval 
invincibility is destroyed. We have met the enemy fleet to fleet on 
worse than equal terms, and we have conquered them more decisively 
than they vanquished their enemies." 

Captain Perry was to visit the city. The citizens were too 
appreciative of one who could coin such a sentence as "We 
have met the enemy and they are ours" and win such signal 
naval victories, to let the occasion slip by without a testimon- 
ial expressed in hospitality. The committee of arrange- 
ment was James H. Blake, Gabriel Duval, John Davidson, 
Thomas Monroe, Thomas Tingey, John Law, Buller Cocke, 
John P. Van Ness, Washington Boyd, Walter Jones, Jr., 
William Brent, Elias B. Caldwell, Daniel Carroll of Dudd- 
ington and Joseph Cassin. The dinner was at Tomlinson's 
on Capitol Hill. The Secretary of Navy, Mr. Jones, and the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Clay, were 
of the guests. At five o'clock the table was ready. Captain 
Perry was ushered in by the president of the day, the Mayor. 



142 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

Commodore Tingey was the vice-president and Mr. Carroll 
and Mr. Jones were assistants. "A full band of music added 
inspiration; and the greatest hilarity and satisfaction ap- 
peared on every countenance." The account also has "the 
company separated in good order about 10 o'clock." 

The Intelligencer, June 30, 1814, under the headline "The 
Enemy Again," states its pleasure in witnessing the prompti- 
tude and alacrity with which the militia, from Washington, 
Georgetown, and Alexandria, in all about 280 men under 
their respective captains departed for the defense. It has 
the suggestion of the stripling going forth to give battle to 
the giant. David meeting Goliath. 

It is a verity that the unpreparedness was not due to the 
District officers. General Van Ness had warned the Sec- 
retary of War and had been rebuffed. That the militia 
should be equal to the trained regulars of the British army 
was to expect the unreasonable. 

And the Mayor in the message, June 30, 1814, has: 

"I congratulate you, Gentlemen, that the appearance of danger 
from the enemy has for a time dissipated, yet when we reflect upon 
the temptations accorded by our metropolis, we ought not to cal- 
culate upon remaining unmolested by them — nothing short of an 
ample preparation will in my opinion, secure us against their 
assaults and more than savage conduct." 

The Mayor's warning only antidates the enemy's descent 

twenty- four days. 

"To the Citizens of Washington, 

"The whole body of the Militia of this District having marched to 
meet the Enemy, it is earnestly requested that every man exempt 
from Militia Duty who is able to carry a musket will immediately 
enrol himself in the Ward in which he resides — and as soon as a 
sufficient number is enrolled, choose the necessary officers, who will 
class the companies for the purpose of patroling the City and pre- 
serving order. Such as have not arms and ammunition will be 
furnished, upon application to either member of the Committee of 
Safety in their respective Wards. 

"The Citizens are requested to be vigilant, and take up all 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 143 

suspected persons ; and none will be permitted to pass after 10 
o'clock at night, without a reasonable and lawful excuse. 

"The well known patriotism of the Citizens of Washington, is a 
sure guarantee that they will comply with so reasonable a request 
at a time of peril like the present. Affection for our Wives, Chil- 
dren and Homes — Patriotism and Interest — all demand our services 
in the best way we can render them. 

Washington City, Aug. 20, 1814. James H. Blake, Mayor." 

From the inception of the local militia, General Van Ness 
had been identified with it. For this identification he was 
lifted from his Congressional seat. From rank to rank he 
rose to the highest. At the fanfare of the trumpets, the Gen- 
eral on a prancing charger gave the signal and the parade 
proceeded. These were all show affairs. When war came, 
although the General had the real ideas of preparation and 
the courage to do and offered to do, he was compelled from 
reasonable pride to resign. The National Intelligencer, 
October 19, 1814, has to say: 

"Our city readers are already informed that John P. Van Ness, 
Esq., resigned the commission of Major-General of the Militia 
previous to the late capture of the city. We are now informed that 
Gen. Van Ness, after having promptly ordered out his division under 
the late requisition of Brig. Gen. Winder, and actively aided in 
promoting every measure necessary to the effectuation of the call, 
informed General Winder and the Executive that, considering him- 
self as a part of his division, he held himself also in service. Very 
unexpectedly he found this position not admitted ; and presuming 
from circumstances that developed themselves in the progress of 
those communications, that the command of the principal expedition 
or service on the present occasion was intended for Gen. Winder, 
and, being desirous of taking some active part, he intimated, that 
if it were not agreeable or eligible to employ him immediately in 
connexion, or in the same operations, with Gen. Winder which 
would of course give him the command according to the rule es- 
tablished by law, a separate command might be assigned to him ; 
which, while it would afford him an opportunity of serving the 
country, would obviate the difficulty as to rank or command with 
Gen. Winder, and thus not interfere with the views of the Executive 
in that respect. But the decision being conclusive that he was not 
considered in service under this requisition, and no separate com- 



144 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

mand or service being proposed or offered, he sent in his resignation. 
By this act, he transferred, a few days before the battle of Bladens- 
burg, from a situation in which he found himself useless, to one 
in which, as a private individual, he might associate himself with 
his fellow citizens in some useful operations in the present interest- 
ing crisis ; which, we are informed, he has repeatedly done." 

General Van Ness was as though ful as he was brave — ele- 
ments congenial and co-existent. The General had been re- 
lived from the ranks, but he did not permit that to interfere 
with his presence and helpfulness or to do something useful 
in the exciting crisis. This appears from the official docu- 
ment: 

From Records of District of Columbia 
John P. Van Ness 

to Thomas Hughes, Dr. 

To one barrel of whiskey, 35-% gal. at cts $24.31 

August 24, 1814— Barrel 1.00 



$25.31 
The above whiskey was ordered by Van Ness for the use of the 
troops on their retreat on the day of the Battle of Bladensburg, and 
was drank by them near the Pump not far from my store, as they 
passed by. The amount has been paid by said Van Ness to me this 
20th day of Oct., 1814. 

Thomas Hughes. 
Having been satisfied that the within barrel of whiskey was got 
for our troops and drank by them at a time they were greatly in 
want of it — and therefore should be paid for by the corporation out 
of the same fund similar expences have been paid — you will please 
issue a checke in favor of Gen'l Van Ness for the same, he having 
advanced the money to Mr. Hughes. 

James H. Blake, 
Mayor of the City of Washington. 
To. Wm. Henry Whitecroft Mar. 24, 1815. 

Whiskey acct. for troops, Aug. 24, 1814. 
Rec'd the above amount of $25.31 from Henry Whitecroft, Treas- 
urer of Washington City— March 25, 1815. 

John P. Van Ness. 

Hughes kept a grocery store on the south side of Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets. 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 145 

The soldiers had run a nine-mile marathon with all the 
fleetness of prize winners. They had reached the center of 
the city. The general at a glance saw the opportunity to 
exercise his thought fulness. The good cheer Mr. Hughes 
supplied at the call of the general's purse worked wonders. 
The soldiers had run one-third of the way to save their bacon. 
The spirits not only relieved their physical exhaustion, but 
gave them mental uplift; they ran the remaining two-thirds 
of the way to the Montgomery Court-house, not as cowards 
but as brave men run — as a military manoeuvre. 

They who consult the History of the Medical Society of 
the District of Columbia will learn that Dr. Blake was at 
the pinnacle of the profession— and at that height because 
of the efficacy of his remediable prescriptions — and his 
endorsement of the Van Ness account for whiskey proves, 
that in his time there were times when men for their own 
good were greatly in want of it. 

The British invaders came the evening of August 24th and 
departed the afternoon of the next day. 

This entry is in the Journal: 

"Thursday. August 25th, 1814. 

"This being the day to which the board of Aldermeu adjourued, 
none of the members appeared." 

The same entry is on the journal of the Board of Common 
Council. 

It is as plain as daylight that all of the local lawmakers 
were with the American Army or safely out of reach of any 
army. 

The hostilities between the Americans and the British 
within the District borders had hardly ceased, when Dr. 
Thornton and Dr. Blake began theirs. Dr. Thornton was 
British born ; he naturally had a kindly feeling for his coun- 
trymen; yet no one was more loyal to the country of his 
adoption. He, because of his nativity, notwithstanding an 



146 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

officer in the American militia and active in the service, was 
the victim of suspicious comment by the citizens of Wash- 
ington, so recently despoiled. He resorted to the Intelligencer 
as the channel for vindication. Dr. Thornton recites he 
went to the residence of the Mayor to ask him to accompany 
him to the Patent Office — he was out of town. The next 
day finding the Mayor not yet in the city, he, as a justice of 
the peace placed guards at the President's House, the Capitol 
and the Navy Yard to prevent plundering. When the Mayor 
arrived he delivered over to him the duties he had assumed. 
Dr. Blake gives in the same channel the causes of absence : 
"On Monday and Tuesday preceding the battle, by considerable 
exertions I procured about two hundred hands to work at Bladens- 
burg, forming breastwork, in accordance with the wish of the com- 
manding General, as communicated to me. On the night preceding 
the battle, I visited our camp at midnight, as many of the officers 
can testify, and was up the whole night. On the day of the battle, 
I was on the field in the midst of danger — not as a spectator, but a 
volunteer in the line of my profession. * * * My wife with four 
small children had to manage and make her escape as well as she 
could — having no male attendant except servants ; my only grown 
son being a volunteer in the field at the head of a company. * * * 
At the very time my handbills were sticking up in the City, urging 
the citizens to the defense of their homes, my whole attention had 
been engaged in the discharge of my public duty and my private 
concerns entirely neglected. — Would it have been prudent in me 
to remain here filling a public office, when my power as Mayor had 
ceased and I could effect no good by staying? On Friday about 
noon, I heard the enemy had evacuated the City the night before. 
The Potomac Bridge being burnt, I immediately proceeded to 
Mason's ferry and was among the first that returned. I found it 
not only left by the enemy, but also by probably nine-tenths of the 
inhabitants." 

These are extracts from the first round in the newspaper 
fight. Dr. Thornton gave Mayor Blake's absence as an ex- 
cuse for assuming authority which Mayor Blake in error 
interpreted as an intimation of cowardice. 

On the tidings of what happened at New Orleans, the 
editors of the Intelligencer gave full expansion to their edi- 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 147 

torial wings and a part of the flight is, February 7, 1815: 
"The fact of the vast disparity of loss, which would stagger 
credulity itself, were it not confirmed by a whole army of 
witnesses, appeals to the heart more eloquently than the most 
labored illustration. The God of Battles is surely on our 

side." 

And the Mayor, February 4, 1815, made proclamation: 

"And whereas, it becomes a people relying on the favor of 
Heaven for support, to rejoice in every manifestation of divine 
goodness; and a number of the citizens of this corporation having 
expressed to me a wish to celebrate our brilliant triumph by an 
Illumination of this city, in which I most heartily accord; I do, 
therefore, hereby recommend to the citizens of this Corporation to 
Illuminate their houses this evening at 7 o'clock, and to continue 
until 10 o'clock." 

Later, the hero came. The citizens of Georgetown, 
December 30th, gave a public dinner; and the citizens of 
Washington a public ball, of which the Mayor was the first 
named manager. 

"A Proclamation. 

"The President of the United States, has this day announced 
by proclamation the return of Peace. 

"In the late contest for the sacred right and honor of our 
country the American Army and Navy have, by the most resplendent 
achievements, exalted their character as high as ambition could 

desire. 

"The American people have never failed to prove, that although 
naturally inclined to peace, they can brave with a manly spirit the 
horrors and calamities of war. when they consider the respect 
violated which is due not only to themselves but every independent 

nation. 

"A retrospect of our affairs from the commencement to the 
cessation of hostilities, though the scene is occasionally checkered, 
cannot but afford a heartfelt gratification to every lover of his 
country. 

"Whereas, in consideration of these things, the glory of our 
country and the return of Happy Peace, it is becoming to make due 
acknowledgement to the Supreme Ruler of events and to shew every 
national demonstration of joy ; Therefore, I, James H. Blake, Mayor 
of the City of Washington, by the authority and with the advice of 



148 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

the Corporation of the said city, do enjoin on the citizens generally 
to Illuminate their respective houses this evening, commencing at 
7 and ending at 9 o'clock. And I do require the public officers of 
the corporation to be vigilant in the preservation of peace and 
tranquility, February 18, 1815." 

The retention of the Federal Seat at the City of Wash- 
ington had been a matter of doubt. In Congress was hostil- 
ity, niggardly appropriation for public buildings and no 
appropriation at all for street improvement. The demoli- 
tion of government edifices aroused resentment in Congress 
and a determination to reconstruct. For reconstruction by 
the President was appointed an efficient commission. The 
feeling was intensified by the loyalty and unselfishness of 
the citizens. Immediately were offered temporary quarters 
made suitable by changes. Not on sympathetic words, the 
shadow of action, but in the substance of action, the citizens 
showed their zeal; and in consequence was approved, 
February 13, 1815, An Act authorizing the borrowing of 
$500,000 from banks and citizens in the District of Columbia 
for rebuilding public buildings. 

No diffidence appeared from other cities whose beauty 
had not been ruthlessly marred, to be the nation's city and 
they offered themselves. 

Promptly the authorities of Philadelphia in formal action 
offered to take the Government back again. 

In the Intelligencer, October 3d, is "Intelligence has been 
received from one of the members of the House of Repre- 
sentatives to his friend in this city, the Congress are making 
arrangements for a speedy removal to Baltimore." 

In the Baltimore Telegraph appeared : 

"George Town, Sept. 28. 
"The corporation of George Town have offered to the committee 
of Congress the Catholic College for their accommodation, which is 
sufficiently large for both Houses, besides rooms for the committees 
— and the gentlemen of the place have come forward and offered to 
board members at a fair and reasonable price ; say not to exceed $10 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 149 

per week. This at once breaks down the monstrous extortion prac- 
tised by tavern-keepers, at $1G per week, and removes a powerful 
motive to Congress leaving the District. All the acts of Congress 
on the subject, make the seat of government permanent in the Dis- 
trict, but do not confine it at Washington — so that an adjournment 
to any part of the District may be carried, regardless of the Pres- 
ident's veto ; but in this case he will not oppose the removal to 
George Town. It is now openly said by members, who have been 
most zealous for its removal that Congress will be, beyond a doubt, 
united for George Town." 

The editor of the Intelligencer was so irritated that he 
called the presentation "glaringly absurd." However, when 
Congress accepted the financial accommodations of the citi- 
zens and banks, as provided by the Act recited, the editor 
could dip the quill and spread upon the paper a cheerful an- 
nouncement which he did. 

Fifty and odd years after the Second War the subject of 
the removal was agitated with renewed vigor. There was 
the so-called Reavis agitation. The test vote in the House 
of Representatives had uncomfortable closeness — it was 
even, with the Speaker's deciding vote in the negative. 

The agitator's publication had for the title page : A 
Change of National Empire or Arguments in favor of the 
Removal of the National Capital from Washington to the 
Mississippi Valley. L. U. Reavis, 1869. It has the quota- 
tion: "Fair St. Louis, the future Capital of the United 
States and of the Civilization of the Western Continent." 

The editorial in the Star, July 26, 1869: 

"That the western papers should, in these dull times, renew the 
agitation of the project of transferring the political metropolis of 
the Union from Washington to the valley of the Mississippi is not 
surprising because, as the Richmond Whig very justly observes, they 
have two outstanding topics for discussion, the hog crop in winter, 
and the removal of the capital in summer. But the eastern press 
seems to have caught the infection this time or taken up the sub- 
ject for lack of something more exciting, and now in nearly every 
exchange we open, from all sections of the country, we find staring 
us in great variety of big type the headline: "Removal of the 
Capital !" 



150 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

"Most of the large cities, some of the towns and not a few vil- 
lages of half a hundred inhabitants have already set forth the 
peculiar and numberless advantages which they possess as sites for 
the seat of our central government. The New York Tribune, in 
its usual slap-dash style, disposes of the recommendation of its 
namesake of Chicago that St. Louis should be the elected city, and 
having ruled out the claims of those rival communities and those 
of Cincinnati, Omaha, Keokuk, Nauvoo, Hannibal, Oshkosh, Prom- 
ontory Station and other aspirants for metropolitan honors, says 
that it results as a matter of course, that whenever the capital is 
removed, it must be moved to New York, and that any other change 
would be only temporary. But the Philadelphia Telegraph thinks 
that it would be a suicidal arrangement on both sides, as New 
York, as well as Congress, would suffer immeasurably in almost un- 
definable disasters in case they were unhappily brought into con- 
junction, and says if any change is made the capital should go back 
from whence it started, that is, to the Quaker City. 

"There is a pleasing variety, at least, in the arguments put 
forward in behalf of the central places suggested as suitable places 
for the capital. It is modestly claimed for St. Louis that her 
morals are unexceptional and that her position on the center line 
of the continent, on the banks of the Father of Waters, and with 
more railroad facilities than any other one point, defies all com- 
petition. New York boldly asserts herself (through Mr. Greeley) 
to be commercial and (what will Boston say to this?) the intellec- 
tual center of the country, and demands therefore that she shall be 
the political center. Philadelphia is ruled out by the principle 
of rotation, her only claim being that the capital was removed from 
that city and therefore ought to go back there. The western towns 
including besides those we have enumerated above a hundred or 
two others, mostly content themselves with a statement of their 
peculiar geographical advantages, but some few cannot refrain from 
setting forth their special attractions. Thus, Chicago sets herself 
up as the metropolis of American wealth and enterprise, but is 
rather apprehensive of the good morals of her society from the 
'tainted infusion of congressional manners,' Oh, dear ! Milwaukee 
claims that her position on the mighty lakes and her inexhaustible 
supply of the best lager on the continent gives her the preference. 
Peoria boasts her 'corn juice !' the only genuine American beverage, 
to be purer, more abundant and cheaper than can be found any- 
where else on the habitable globe and to give her pre-eminence over 
all rivals. Cincinnati claims to possess the advantages of all the 
rest — position, morals, whiskey — and in addition is the center of the 
pork trade of the universe.' 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 151 

The Mayor with a short communication for the com- 
mittee, transmitted the resolution of the Councils expressive 
of "the pleasure with which they and their constituents greet 
his return to that country, whose rights and character he has, 
during his absence, so eminently contributed to maintain 
and establish. 

"Gentlemen — I have received your obliging letter of this day 
communicating certain resolutions of the Board of Aldermen and the 
Board of Common Council, of the City of Washington, and in behalf 
of my colleagues and myself, I beg you to present to the Corpora- 
tion by thanks for the flattering manner in phich they have been 
pleased to notice our services in the negotiation at Ghent. In 
asserting that the issue of that owing to the determined spirit of 
resistence manifested by this country, and the brilliant achieve- 
ments of our military and naval forces. I am sure of the concur- 
rence of my colleagues. A great object of the war has been accom- 
plished in the establishment of the national character. 

"The pleasure I experienced from the hearty and cordial wel- 
come with which I have been so kindly received in this city and 
wherever I have been since my return, is attended with the melan- 
choly reflection that one of my colleagues unhappily can no longer 
participate in the congratulations of our country. 

"I thank you, gentlemen, for the sentiments you have obligingly 
expressed concerning me, and am with great respect 

Your obedient servant, 

H. Clay. 
James H. Blake, Esq. ; J. Gales, Jr. ; and R. C. Weightman, Esqs. 
Washington, 18th Sept. 1815." 

"Washington City, Nov. 6, 1815. 

"Sir — On behalf of the Corporation of this city, I have the honor 
to present to you the enclosed Resolution of The 'Board of Alder- 
men and Board of Common Council,' and to congratulate you on 
vour return to your country and the bosom of your family and 
friends. 

"Your important services in your late mission, entitle you to 
the gratitude of the American people— and we, whom you have 
resided amongst for several years, and to whom you are personally 
known, feel peculiar pleasure in felicitating you, and thus publicly 
paying that respect which we consider you to have highly merited. 

"Understanding that you are about to leave the city, I haste to 



152 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

express the regret I feel, in common with my fellow citizens, on the 
occasion, and to assure you that our best wishes attend you. 
"With every consideration of respect and esteem, I am 

"Your obedient servant, 

"James H. Blake. 
"Honorable Albert Gallatin" 

"Washington City, Nov. 6, 1815. 

"Sir — I beg leave, through you, to return my thanks to the 
Corporation of the City of Washington, for the favorable opinion 
they entertain of the manner in which the duties enjoined on the 
ministers employed in negotiating peace with Great Britain, have 
been performed, and for the honor done me by the adoption of the 
resolution which you have transmitted to me. 

"I embrace with pleasure, this opportunity to express my grate- 
ful sense of the civilities and kindness which during my residence 
in the city, I have uniformly experienced from its inhabitants and 
praying you to accept my sincere wishes for their prosperity, and 
for your personal happiness. 

"I have the honor to be, with respectful consideration, Sir, your 
most obedient servant, 

"Albert Gallatin. 
"James H. Blake, Esq., 
"Mayor of the City of Washington." 

That the First Lady had unbounded popularity is evident. 
"As Mrs. Madison will do Mr. Dwyer the honor of attend- 
ing his performance, the public are respectfully informed 
he will once more deliver G. A. Steven's Lecture on "Heads" 
at one dollar per. October 26, 1816. 

Upon the retirement of Mr. Madison, the citizens of the 
municipalities of Georgetown and Washington, vied in their 
homage to Mrs. Madison. "As a small tribute of their re- 
spect, at Crawford's hotel" on March 13, 1817, the citizens 
of Georgetown gave a ball in the direction of the committee : 
John Peter, John Mason, John Cox, Walter Smith, William 
Whann, and Charles Worthington. On the 25th was the 
"City Ball to Mrs. Madison" by the citizens of Washington, 
as a tribute of their respect, at Davis's Hotel with the man- 
agers: James H. Blake, John Rodgers, John Graham, 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 153 

Walter Jones, John P. Van Ness, John Tayloe, Richard 
Bland Lee and William W. Seaton. 

It was an admirable custom, full of courtesy — an address 
to the departing Executive by the citizens through a com- 
mittee of the common council or of the citizens prepared and 
delivered by the Mayor and a response thereto. Mr. Adams, 
upon completion of his remnant of a term, in pique ungal- 
lantly stole away. This initiation of the custom is at the 
end of Mr. Jefferson's administration. The committee of 
the citizens waited upon Mr. Jefferson, March 4, 1809. 

"To Thomas Jefferson. 
"Sir, 

"The citizens of Washington cannot forego the last opportunity 
which may, perhaps, ever occur, to bid you a respectful and affec- 
tionate farewell. As members of the great and flourishing nation, 
over which you have so illustriously presided, your virtues, talents 
and services command their esteem, admiration, and gratitude. 
Embarked in the fate of this solitary republic of the world, they 
have in common with their fellow citizens, rejoiced in its pros- 
perous and sympathised in its adverse fortunes, as involving every- 
thing dear to freemen. They have marked with exultation, the firm 
column of its glory, laid on imperishable foundations, using as a 
monument of the reign of principle in this quarter of the globe. 
To you they have been instructed to ascribe the memorable act, 
which, by declaring a gallant people free and independent, in a tone 
that appalled tyranny, instilled those sentiments and principles, 
which, inspiring every virtue, and urging every sacrifice, led them 
to triumph and empire. 

"We have since beheld you with parental solicitude, and with a 
vigilance that never sleeps, watching over the fairest offspring of 
liberty, and, by your unremitted labors, in upholding, explaining and 
vindicating our system of government, rendering it the object of 
love at home and respect abroad. 

"It would be a pleasing task for us, as citizens of the United 
States, to fill up and extend the outlines we have sketched. But, 
it is, as citizens of the national metropolis, that we now appear 
before you. In addition to every patriotic feeling that can warm 
our breasts, we have still further inducements to open our hearts 
to you on this proud, yet painful occasion. 

"The world knows you as a philosopher and philanthropist ; the 



154 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

American people know you as a patriot and statesman— we know 
you in addition to all this, as a man. And, however your talents 
have extorted our respect, there is not one among us, whose pre- 
dominant feeling at this moment is not that of affection for the 
mild and endearing virtues that have made every one here your 
friend, and you his. We should be lost to gratitude, did we not 
acknowledge that it is to you we owe much, very much of that 
harmony of intercourse and tolerance of opinion, which characterize 
our state of society — of that improvement, which, amidst unpro- 
pitious circumstances, has progressed with sure and steady steps, 
and above all, of that spirit of enterprise, which your beneficence 
and liberality have invariably aided, and which promises in a few 
years to render this place the fairest seat of wealth and science. 

"Deeply as we feel your retirement, we approve, nay applaud it. 
Personal considerations aside, it was to be expected from the friend 
and protector of republican institutions, that he would follow, and 
by his co-operation strengthen, the example of the illustrious hero 
of the revolution. 

"May you, in the retirement to which you go, be happy! As 
your fellow citizens will still took towards you with interest, and 
pray for your felicity, so will you find it impossible to lose sight 
of the arduous scenes through which we have passed, as well as 
those in store for our country. Your heart will still beat with 
patriotism, and the energies of your mind continue to be engaged on 
rational objects. In your retreat may every anxious thought be 
softened by the mild and tender occupations of private life! 
Happy, thrice happy retreat! Where patriotism and philosophy, 
friendship and affection, will animate, direct and soften the purest 
feelings of the heart! With a grateful nation we pray that you 
may be happy, and if the just Being, that presides over the universe, 
insure to you but a portion of that felicity you have conferred on 
others, our prayers will be fulfilled ! 

"Robert Brent, Chairman. 
"Nicholas King, Secretary." 

"To the Citizens of Washington. 
"I receive with peculiar gratification the affectionate address of 
the citizens of Washington and in the patriotic sentiments it ex- 
presses, I see the true character of the national metropolis. The 
station we occupy among the nations of the earth is honorable, but 
awful. Trusted with the destinies of this solitary republic of the 
world, the only monument of human rights, and the sole repository 
of the sacred fire of freedom and self-government, from hence, it is 
to be lighted up in other regions of the earth, if other regions of 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 155 

the earth ever become susceptible of its genial influence. All man 
kind ought, then, with us, to rejoice in its prosperous, and sym- 
pathize in its adverse fortunes, as involving everything dear to man. 
And to what sacrifices of interest or convenience, ought not these 
considerations to animate us! To what compromises of opinion and 
inclination, to maintain harmony and union among ourselves, and 
to preserve from all danger this hallowed ark of human hope and 
happiness ! That differences of opinion should arise among men, 
on politics, on religion, and on every topic of human inquiry, and 
that these should be freely expressed in a country where all our 
facilities are free, is to be expected. But these valuable privileges 
are much perverted when permitted to disturb the harmony of 
social intercourse, and to lessen the tolerance of opinion. To the 
honor of society here, it has been characterized by a just and gen- 
erous liberality, and an indulgence of those affections which, with- 
out regard to political creeds, constitute the happiness of life. That 
the improvements of this city must proceed with sure and steady 
steps, follows from its many obvious advantages, and from the 
enterprizing spirit of its inhabitants, which promises to render it 
the fairest seat of wealth and science. 

"It is very gratifying to me that the general course of my 
administration is approved by fellow-citizens, and particularly that 
the motives of my retirement are satisfactory. I part with the 
powers entrusted to me by my country, as with a burthen of heavy 
bearing; but it is with sincere regret that I part with the society 
in which I have lived here. It has been the source of much happi- 
ness to me during my residence at the seat of government, and I 
owe it much for its kind dispositions. I shall ever feel a high in- 
terest in the prosperity of the city, and an affectionate attachment 
to its inhabitants. 

"Th. Jefferson. 

"March 4, 1809." 

The address was presented on the sixth. 
"To James Madison. 

"We come, Sir, on behalf of the Citizens of Washington, to mingle 
our congratulations with our respect at your political retirement- 
congratulations that spring from our participation as Americans in 
the untarnished glory that accompanies you — regrets that flow from 
feelings alive to the loss we are so soon to experience. At this 
event, as citizens of a great community, we feel a pride only sur- 
passed by our affection as men. 

"When we beheld you succeeding to the place and honors of the 
illustrious author of the declaration of our independence, under the 



156 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

auspices of whose private virtues and public duties our local insti- 
tutions were devised, we felt more poignantly the extent of our 
loss from the uncertainty that always hangs over the future. We 
had found in him the enlightened friend of a place, which, among 
all the vicissitudes of its fortunes, he continued, with the great 
man who founded it, to consider the key-stone of our union. 

"In him, too, we had found one, who spread a charm over 
society, by the urbanity, the hospitality, the kindness of his private 
life. 

"What, then, was our satisfaction on realizing, in his friend and 
successor, a like devotion to principle, softened by the some ur- 
banity, the same hospitality, the same kindness, and permit us, as 
we hope without wounding female delicacy, to add, irradiated by a 
grace and benevolence that have inspired universal respect and 
friendship. 

"We shall never forget that, when our city felt the tempest of 
war, it was your wisdom and firmness that repaired the breach, 
and, from the causes that menaced its ruin, extracted the elements 
of the stability and expansion. May you long continue, yourself 
happy, to behold, in the prosperity of others, the attestations of your 
virtues, and, especially, to find in every heart in Washington, a 
sanctuary of gratitude. 

"Bound to the union by ties indissoluble, we trust, as they are 
sacred, we cannot let this occasion pass without contrasting, for a 
moment, the past and present state of our country. At the time 
you were called to the Executive chair, the sky not only lowered, 
but the storm had already burst upon us. The world was in chaos, 
and violence and injustice busy in the work of destruction. At that 
crisis, no one could feel the weight of responsibility more than you 
did, or the obligations of that duty, which, while it vigorously 
asserted a nation's rights, abstained from wantonly endangering 
its vital interests. You had participated largely in forming that 
Constitution under which we had flourished and must have been 
fully sensible of the solemnity of an untried appeal which might 
prematurely expose it to fatal perils. But the appeal became neces- 
sary, and it was made. Its fruits are a solid peace, a name among 
the nations of the earth, a self-respect founded upon justice and 
conscious strength, and, above all, a conviction that our liberties 
can never be lost so long as that character endures, which formed 
by the first talents, is now cemented by the best blood of our coun- 
try. At that era our rights were trampled upon — they are now 
respected ; our property was plundered — it is now without danger 
spread over the globe ; our martial character drooped — it is now 
elevated ; our navy had gathered an ephemeral laurel — it is now 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 157 

covered with immortal honor. Power and national glory, Sir, 
have often before been acquired by the sword, but rarely without 
the sacrifice of civil or political liberty. It is here, pre-eminently, 
that the righteous triumph of the one, under the smile of Heaven, 
secures the other. When we reflect that this sword was drawn 
under your guidance, we cannot resist offering you our own, as 
well as* a Nation's thanks, for the vigilance with which you have re- 
strained it within its proper limits; the energy with which you have 
directed it, to its proper objects, and, the safety with which you 
have wielded an armed force of fifty thousand men, aided by an 
annual disbursement of many millions without infringing a political, 
civil or religious right. 

"We remain, with the highest respect and regard, 

"James H. Blake, Chairman, 

"On behalf of the committee appointed by the general meeting 
of the citizens. 

"H. Carroll, Secretary." 

Mr. Madison's reply. 

"Gentlemen, 

"I am much indebted to the citizens of Washington, in whose 
behalf you speak, for the expressions of regard and respect ad- 
dressed to me. These sentiments are the more valuable to me, as 
my long residence among them has made me well acquainted with 
their many titles to my esteem, at the same time that it has en- 
abled them to mark more particularly the course of my public and 
personal conduct. Their partiality has greatly overrated both; 
but they do no more than justice to my honest zeal in the service 
of my country, and to my friendly dispositions towards this city 
and its inhabitants. I have ever regarded the selection for the 
National Metropolis, made by its great Founder, as propitious to 
the national welfare, and although I could not rival my immediate 
predecessor in the aids he afforded, I was not less sincere in my 
desire for its growth and improvement. The ultimate good flowing 
from the disaster which at one moment clouded its prospects, is a 
gratifying compensation to those on whom it fell; and is among 
the proofs of that spirit in the American people, as a free people, 
which, rising above adverse events, and even converting them into 
sources of advantage, is the true safeguard against dangers of 
every sort. 

"On the point of a final departure from Washington, 'I pray its 
citizens to be assured,' that every expression of their kindness will 



158 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

be held in lively remembrance with cordial wishes for their col- 
lective prosperity and individual happiness. 

"James Madison. 

"James H. Blake, Esq., and the other gentlemen of the com- 
mittee on behalf of the citizens of Washington." 

Mr. Madison speaks of "a final departure." It was so 
with Mr. Jefferson. Neither visited the national metropolis 
after retirement. The responses of Mr. Jefferson and Mr. 
Madison which are direct to the addresses, now and then us- 
ing the same phraseology, offer interesting contrasts with 
the present. In Mr. Jefferson's period the United States was 
the sole republic upon the earth. He says the position "is 
honorable but awful." He inclines to the belief it, as the 
monument of human rights, will light up other sections of 
the earth. So it has. Now are many republics; and the 
monarchies have moderated and modernized with republican 
principle. 

Mayor Brent says the national metropolis promises in a 
few years to be the fairest seat of wealth and science. Which 
optimistic sentiment Mr. Jefferson repeats. A picture actor 
of the present, Douglas Mac Lean, says that "the great out- 
doors is very conducive to optimism," that nature inspires 
and contributes to happiness. Perhaps that was what imbued 
the Mayor and his constituents with exuberant hope, for the 
city was but a few scattered settlements and the white 
population including the women and children (1810) num- 
bered no more than eight thousand two hundred. The frui- 
tion of the hope was not so soon as expected yet it has now 
fruition — it is "the fairest seat of wealth and science." 

As a wonderful achievement, Mayor Blake cites that Pres- 
ident Madison wielded an armed force of fifty thousand 
men and disbursed many millions. The United States in 
the World War had under arms 4,340,068 and raised by 
liberty loans $21,448,112,800. 

Dr. Blake determined not to be a candidate for re-election. 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 159 

In his final message are the farewell words: "Permit me 
then in taking leave of yon, from whom, as well as your 
predecessors, I have received every aid — to congratulate you, 
on our present happy and prosperous situation. Conscious 
I am, that I have done all in my power, with my scanty 
means for the best interest of the Metropolis. A retrospect 
will shew that much good has been done, yet I know that 
much remains to be done." May 19, 1817. 

In the mayoral message, June 22, 1814, is: "as this is the 
Metropolis of the Union, the source from which principle 
ought to issue, so ought it to be distinguished for the correct 
deportment of its inhabitants and afford an example, worthy 
of imitation." The nation's city should be a model city — a 
model in all respects. Mayor Blake specifies the citizens' 
contribution — correct deportment. That is essential, but 
that or anything else the citizens may contribute will not 
make this a model American city — it still will be lacking in 
an essential factor — the governmental factor. The American 
basic principle is that "governments are instituted among 
men deriving their just powers from the consent of the 
governed." And the consent of the governed is everywhere 
observed and practised except in the nation's one city. 

At the organization meeting of that honorable institution 
of learning, the Columbian Institute, Dr. Blake was tem- 
porary chairman (October 7, 1816) and he was of the per- 
manent officers. 

Dr. Blake was of the first board of directors of the Bank 
of the Metropolis (January 11, 1814). 

Dr. Blake was of the preliminary organization of St. 
John's Church. He was of the first vestry and of successive 
vestries. 

Dr. Blake graduated in medicine at the American Medical 
Society, Philadelphia, 1789, in his twenty-first year. He 
was of the sixteen who met, September 26, 1817, to form a 



160 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

Medical Society. At the organization meeting, Jaunary 5, 
1818, he was elected Vice-President. He was of the incor- 
porators. 

The demands of his mayoral duties at a time requiring 
incessant vigilance, caused Dr. Blake to take an associate. A 
partnership was formed with Dr. George A. Carroll, who 
resided at the corner of D and 12th Streets. January 26, 
1814. Subsequently Dr. Blake associated with himself, Dr. 
William Jones. Dr. Blake was appointed by President 
Madison, the Medical Supervisor with a corps of doctors and 
surgeons. Dr. Jones was of this corps. 

Dr. Blake was the Collector of Internal Revenue from 
December 25, 1813; and Register of Wills from July, 1818, 
until his death. The salary as Mayor he relinquished. 

Dr. Blake to absent son wrote : 

"I am just able to sit up an hour or two, and have determined 
to make an effort to write you once more. Some of my physicians 
flatter me with the idea of a recovery, others I And despond ; I 
consider there is but a possibility. In a day or two I shall be 
fifty-two years old, which is but the meridian of man's life, but so 
many depart earlier that I feel perfectly reconciled to my fate, and 
I am ready to meet death. I shall leave behind me an honorable 
name and fair reputation and many beloved friends and connec- 
tions who must soon follow me. Thank God your Mother enjoys 
good health and has an excellent constitution, and may reasonably 
calculate on long life ; and I trust will live to raise to maturity our 
younger children and instill into their minds proper sentiments. 
I calculate I shall leave her a decent support and enable her to 
raise and finish the education of our younger children. I pray 
God to take you in his Holy Keeping, to preserve, bless and pros- 
per you, and although I may never take you by the hand again, 
yet I have your image daily before me. Do not be distressed at 
this letter, recollect mine is the fate of all flesh." 

Dr. Blake's valediction is sad and manly. It shows he 
had the spirit to meet courageously the finality of life with 
its enjoyments, affections and usefulness. 

Dr. Blake died July 29, 1819, 3 A.M. He was in his 
fifty-second year. His indisposition was fourteen months. 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 161 

The funeral service was at his late residence, the 30th, at 
10 A. M. The funeral was attended by the Federal Lodge, 
F.A.A.M. No. 1; Brooke Lodge, No. 2; Columbia Lodge, 
No. 3; Washington Naval Lodge, No. 4; Potomac Lodge, 
No. 5 ; Union Lodge, No. 6 ; Lebanon Lodge, No. 7, with 
a band. The Grand Master, Daniel Kurtz, was in attendance. 
The pallbearers were Messrs. R. C. Weightman, James M. 
Varnum, Ebenezer Stout, Samuel Anderson, Harvey Bestor 
and John McLaughlin. The remains were interred in the 
Methodist Episcopal Burial Ground, Georgetown, and were 
removed, November 2, 1870, to the William A. Gordon lot 
in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

The National Intelligencer has the tribute : 

"Of the character of one so well known, it is almost super- 
fluous to speak. But to those who knew him not, we may be per- 
mitted to say, that he was one of our worthiest and most respected 
citizens. * * * In private life, in the relations of father, hus- 
band, and friend, he was an ornament of society, and a bright 
example to all around him." 

Dr. Blake was high in the profession that lessens the ills 
of life and adds to the length of life. He had legislative 
experience which gave him the efficiency in his magisterial 
duties — the mayorship. He was Mayor during the most 
troublous period of the United States — in the most doubtful 
days of existence — for it was then the least equipped to 
cope with a powerful adversary. He was the Mayor of the 
Nation's Capital, when the enemy's objective was the sacking 
of the public buildings which it did. The "other family ser- 
vants were accustomed to say that his residence was oc- 
cupied by their officers, who cared for its contents and left 
without having removed anything therefrom." All of the 
record is that Dr. Blake did his part as Mayor as well as 
could be done. He had thoughts and knew how to phrase 
them in rhetorical finish. His public letters and his proclama- 
tions are the proofs. "He was social and hospitable and his 



162 Records of the Columbia Historical Society. 

home the meeting place of men distinguished in public life, 
as appears from letters of Henry Clay, John Forsyth, and 
others." Dr. Blake lived near Pennsylvania Avenue on the 
west side of Tenth Street. The widow was living at the 
same place in 1822. In 1826, she resided at the northwest 
corner of Eighth Street and Louisiana Avenue. In 1834 she 
was the proprietress of the Congress boarding house, at the 
southeast corner of Pennsylvania and Four-and-a-Half 
street. 

Five children survived. 

Thomas Holdsworth Blake. From the Biographical 
Congressional Directory. "Born in Calvert County, Md., 
June 14, 1792; attended the public schools and studied law 
in Washington, D. C. ; member of the militia of the District 
of Columbia which took part in the battle of Bladensburg in 
1814; moved to Kentucky and then to Indiana; began the 
practice of law in Terre Haute; prosecuting attorney and 
judge of the circuit court ; gave up the practice of law and 
engaged in business; for several years a member of the 
State Legislature of Indiana; elected as an Adams Republi- 
can to the Twentieth Congress (March 4, 1827-March 3, 
1829) ; appointed Commissioner of the General Land Office 
by President Tyler, May 19, 1842, served until April, 1845; 
chosen president of the Erie and Wabash Canal Company; 
visited England as financial agent of the State of Indiana ; 
on his return died in Cincinnati, Ohio, November 28, 1849." 
In the District he had the title of colonel and in the early 
years of his life has mention in the Intelligencer in the 
social affairs. 

James Heighe Blake engaged in gold mining in North 
Carolina. Lie returned to Washington and was employed in 
the General Land Office. 

Dr. John Bond Blake had the authority, but never used it, 
to prescribe. Born at Colchester, Virginia, August 12, 1800. 



Clark: James Heighe Blake. 163 

University of Maryland, M. D. 1824. Incorporator of the 
Medical Society of the District of Columbia under its second 
charter. He was in the office of the Register of the Treasury. 
Commissioner of Public Buildings under Presidents Pierce 
and Buchanan; a member of the Board of Public Works, 
Secretary of the Washington National Monument Society, 
President of the National Metropolitan Bank and National 
Metropolitan Fire Insurance Company. He was an organ- 
izer of the Association of Oldest Inhabitants. He is re- 
called by the writer of this paper as remarkable for dignity 
without hauteur, courtesy and courtliness and cheerfulness 
and that to all he was the same without distinction to coin or 
color. He was the author of "Biographical Sketch of the 
Late Dr. Wm. Jones." He died October 26, 1881. 

Joseph Richard Blake, who entered the Navy as a mid- 
shipman when eleven years of age, commissioned a lieutenant 
when twenty and died when twenty-four from exposure in 
service. 

Glorvina Blake married William A. Gordon. Mr. Gordon 
was born in Baltimore, 1803. He was a cadet at West Point 
accredited to Maryland. From the Academy he came to the 
Quartermaster General's Office, 1824, and there he remained 
until his death, July 25, 1873, a shade less than fifty years. 
He was at a time chief clerk. He lived on Fourteenth Street 
between F and G Streets. From this aristocratic location 
he went to a more aristocratic; that is, he went to George- 
town. "He was a gentleman of unblemished reputation, and 
possessed fine business abilities and social qualities, which 
endeared him to a large circle of friends."* This enco- 
mium is quoted, however we can safely bestow praises on 
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon for besides their daughter we have 
excellent copies and true of their characters in the talented 
and respected lawyers of our local bar., William A. and J. 
Holdsworth Gordon. 



* The Evening Star, July 28, 1873. 



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